PDF of statement available here

March 10, 2019
As military leaders who have commanded regional combatant commands in the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, and North America, we know that the military alone cannot keep our nation safe. Diplomacy and development are essential to combating threats before they reach our shores.

We stand with and share the perspectives of our fellow combatant commanders who have testified before Congress in recent days on the strategic importance of the State Department, USAID, and other U.S. development agencies as key partners around the world to protect our interests and our values.

As Congress considers next year’s federal budget, we urge policymakers to continue to protect resources for America’s International Affairs Budget. Doing so is critical to keeping our nation safe and prosperous in a world of global threats and great power competition.

General Wesley Clark, USA (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. European Command; U.S. Southern Command

General Bantz Craddock USA (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. European Command; U.S. Southern Command

Admiral William Fallon, USN (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Central Command; U.S. Pacific Command

Admiral Thomas Fargo, USN (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

General Douglas Fraser, USAF (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Southern Command

General James Hill, USA (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Southern Command

Admiral Samuel Locklear III, USN (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

General Barry McCaffrey, USA (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Southern Command

General David Petraeus, USA (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Central Command

General Victor Renuart, USAF (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Northern Command

Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. European Command; U.S. Southern Command

Lt. General Kip Ward, USA (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Africa Command

General Charles Wilhelm, USMC (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Southern Command

General Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.)
Commander, U.S. Central Command